Haridwar City

Feel Tourism offers to visit Ashrams, temples, experience Ganga Aarti ceremony on the bank of Ganges and test Indian cuisine In the morning around 9AM we will meet at Swami Vivekanand Park in Haridwar. We will start the experience by visiting various places like Mansa Devi temple, Sapt Rishi temple, Daksha Mahadev temple & Ashram, etc. After we will have lunch, enjoying the local foods. After lunch will will continue to visit ashrams and temples located in Haridwar. To complete the experience, in the evening during sunset we will participate in the Maha Aarti (pooja ceremony) which takes place at Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges. Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttarakhand Himalayan region and is located on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganges. The River Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breathtakingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganga River.

Haridwar City

Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, known as the “Gateway to God.” Located at 314 meters above sea level along the sacred Ganga River, Haridwar draws millions for its spiritual aura, vibrant Ganga Aarti, and ancient temples. As one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, it hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, with the next grand event in 2027. Haridwar blends spirituality with natural beauty, featuring ashrams, ghats, and nearby Himalayan foothills. Ideal for weekend getaways from Delhi (220 km), it’s perfect for devotees, families, and travelers seeking peace or adventure. This guide covers Haridwar tourist places, the iconic Ganga Aarti, adventure activities, best time to visit, hotels, and tips for your Haridwar tour.

Why Visit Haridwar?

Haridwar is a spiritual hub where the Ganga River descends from the Himalayas to the plains, offering divine blessings. Its name, meaning “Door to Hari (God),” reflects its role as a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri). The mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri captivates visitors with its lamps and chants. Beyond spirituality, Haridwar offers adventure activities like white-water rafting in nearby Rishikesh (25 km) and wildlife safaris at Rajaji National Park. With bustling markets, yoga centers, and serene ghats, Haridwar appeals to pilgrims, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts, making it a must-visit for a Haridwar tour.

Top Haridwar Tourist Places

Haridwar is rich with tourist places blending spirituality, history, and nature. Here are the must-visit attractions:

  1. Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) The holiest ghat in Haridwar, believed to bear Lord Vishnu’s footprint, is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti. Pilgrims bathe here for purification, making it a top Haridwar tourist place. The Brahma Kund and nearby clock tower add charm.

  2. Mansa Devi Temple (Haridwar) Perched atop Bilwa Parvat, this temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi (wish-fulfilling deity) is reached by a 1.5-km trek or ropeway (₹150 round trip). It’s a key Haridwar tourist place for blessings and Himalayan views.

  3. Chandi Devi Temple (Haridwar) Located on Neel Parvat, this temple honors Goddess Chandi, built in 1929 by King Suchat Singh. Accessible via ropeway or a 3-km trek, it’s a spiritual Haridwar tourist place with scenic vistas.

  4. Bharat Mata Temple (Haridwar) A unique eight-story temple dedicated to Mother India, it features deities, freedom fighters, and a 3D map of India. Located 6 km from Haridwar, it’s a patriotic Haridwar tourist place.

  5. Shantikunj Ashram (Haridwar) Founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma, this ashram is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar, offering yoga, meditation, and spiritual discourses. It’s a peaceful Haridwar tourist place for soul-seekers.

  6. Rajaji National Park (Near Haridwar) Just 10 km from Haridwar, this 820-sq-km park is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and 315 bird species. Jungle safaris make it a thrilling Haridwar tourist place for wildlife lovers.

  7. Pawan Dham (Haridwar) Known for its glasswork and ornate temple architecture, Pawan Dham showcases Hindu mythology through intricate designs. It’s a visually striking Haridwar tourist place.

  8. Sapt Rishi Ashram (Haridwar) Located 5 km from Haridwar, this historic ashram marks where the Ganga split into seven streams to avoid disturbing meditating sages. It’s a serene Haridwar tourist place for history and spirituality.

Adventure Activities in Haridwar

While Haridwar is primarily a pilgrimage hub, it offers exciting adventure activities, especially nearby:

  • White-Water Rafting: Head to Rishikesh (25 km) for thrilling rafting on the Ganga River, with rapids like “Roller Coaster” and “Golf Course” (₹1,000–₹2,000 per person).

  • Jungle Safari: Explore Rajaji National Park via jeep or elephant safaris to spot wildlife (₹1,500–₹2,500 per safari).

  • Yoga and Meditation: Join yoga sessions at Shantikunj or Patanjali Yogpeeth for spiritual and physical wellness, a signature Haridwar experience.

  • Bungee Jumping: Try bungee jumping in Rishikesh (India’s highest at 83 meters) for an adrenaline rush (₹3,500–₹4,000).

  • Trekking: Hike to Mansa Devi or Chandi Devi temples for light trekking with rewarding views.

  • Ayurvedic Spa: Relax with Ayurvedic massages at wellness centers in Haridwar or Rishikesh.

These adventure activities complement Haridwar’s spiritual vibe, enhancing your Haridwar tour.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

The best time to visit Haridwar depends on your preferences:

  • October to March: Winters (5–25°C) are pleasant for sightseeing, Ganga Aarti, and pilgrimage. Ideal for Kumbh Mela preparations or festivals like Diwali and Holi.

  • April to June: Summers (20–40°C) are warm but manageable for ghat visits and yoga retreats. Crowds are smaller, except during Char Dham Yatra season.

  • July to September: Monsoons bring heavy rain, making ghats slippery and travel risky due to floods. Avoid unless visiting ashrams.

October to March is peak season for pilgrims and tourists, with vibrant Ganga Aarti experiences.

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar is well-connected, making it an easy weekend getaway:

  • By Road: Haridwar is 220 km from Delhi (5–6 hours) via NH334 through Meerut and Roorkee. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses, private taxis, or Volvos from Delhi, Dehradun (52 km), or Rishikesh (25 km) are available.

  • By Train: Haridwar Junction is a major railway station with trains like Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Amritsar. It’s 2 km from Har Ki Pauri.

  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (40 km) is the closest, with daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Taxis or buses reach Haridwar in 1–1.5 hours.

Haridwar Hotels and Travel Tips

Haridwar hotels range from budget dharamshalas (₹500–₹1,500) near Har Ki Pauri to luxury hotels like Radisson or Haveli Hari Ganga (₹3,000–₹8,000). Ashrams like Shantikunj offer affordable stays with meals. Book early during festivals or Kumbh Mela. Travel tips include:

  • Dress modestly, especially at temples and ghats; cover shoulders and knees.

  • Carry cash for small shops and dharamshalas; ATMs are widely available.

  • Avoid drinking Ganga water directly; use bottled water.

  • Try local street food like Kachori, Aloo Puri, and Rabri at eateries near Bara Bazaar.

  • Arrive early (5–6 PM) for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri to secure a spot.

  • Respect pilgrimage customs; remove shoes at temples and avoid photography during Aarti.

  • Check Kumbh Mela or festival dates to plan around crowds.

FAQ's: Haridwar City

Why is Haridwar a top pilgrimage destination?

Haridwar is revered as a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra, home to the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, and one of India’s seven holiest cities.

What are the top Haridwar tourist places?

Must-visit Haridwar tourist places include Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Shantikunj Ashram, Rajaji National Park, Pawan Dham, and Sapt Rishi Ashram.

When is the best time to visit Haridwar?

October to March for pleasant weather and Ganga Aarti; April to June for fewer crowds; avoid monsoons (July–September) due to floods.

What is the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar?

The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a daily evening ritual with lamps, chants, and offerings to the Ganga River, starting at 6–7 PM.

What adventure activities can I do in Haridwar?

Enjoy white-water rafting in Rishikesh, jungle safaris in Rajaji National Park, yoga, trekking to temples, and bungee jumping nearby.

How do I reach Haridwar by train?

Haridwar Junction connects to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata with trains like Shatabdi Express, just 2 km from Har Ki Pauri.

What’s the nearest airport to Haridwar?

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (40 km) offers flights from Delhi and other cities, with taxis to Haridwar.

Does Haridwar host the Kumbh Mela?

Yes, Haridwar hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, drawing millions of pilgrims.

Where can I stay in Haridwar?

Haridwar hotels include dharamshalas (₹500–₹1,500), ashrams, and luxury options like Radisson (₹3,000+). Book early for festivals.

Is Haridwar safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Haridwar is safe with proper precautions; stay in well-lit areas, respect customs, and avoid isolated ghats at night.